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Building Your Dream Home: Choosing the Perfect Builder Before Design Begins

Building a custom home is one of the most exciting, and potentially stressful, ventures you will ever embark upon.  The most important decision you’ll make during this process is selecting the right builder for you.  A trustworthy and professional builder will not only ensure the construction of a high-quality home designed just for you, but also provide an enjoyable building experience.  In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to use when selecting your builder for your forever home.

Define Your Needs and Expectations: Before searching for a builder, it’s important to define your needs and expectations. Consider your budget, preferred location, style, size, and any specific features you desire. This will help you narrow down your options and find builders who specialize in the type of home you want.  At this point in the process DO NOT focus on floor plans.  A professional builder will be able to design a plan specifically tailored to your lifestyle and tastes.

Research Builders: Once you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, start researching builders in your area. Review their websites, social media pages; and look for indications of involvement in the industry and community.  Also read testimonials or reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations.

Create a Short List and Reach Out:  Narrow it down to a list of no more than 3 custom home builders who specialize in the type of home you’re looking for.  Reach out to them through their website contact form, email, or phone.  Use this to ensure that they respond to your inquiry in a timely manner. Builders who have poor communication with their clients also tend to have poor communication with their suppliers and subcontractors, which tends to lead to delays on site and quality issues. At this stage you are looking for reasons to disqualify a builder from your shortlist, such as if they don’t respond to your inquiry in a reasonable time frame.

Schedule a Discovery Call: For the builders that do respond, invest 15-20 minutes into an initial phone conversation. Expect a professional builder to be asking you a lot more questions than you ask them at this stage, so they can understand your desired end result.  If the call goes well, schedule a site visit with a builder.

Site Visit: A professional builder will be prepared to meet in person to show you a portfolio of previous projects, share transparent pricing, and discuss their building processes and systems.  This is also a great time to address additional questions you may have, such as the builder’s relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and building inspectors.  During this time discuss construction slot availability, the timeline to build and additional customer references they can provide.

When you choose a custom builder you are entering a partnership relationship with them that may last over a year.  If you don’t feel comfortable with them after your initial meeting, it is time to move on.

Check Credentials and Experience: Verify the builder’s credentials and experience in the industry.  Follow up on the customer references they provided and research their involvement in professional organizations and their community.  Ask about their experience in constructing custom homes and their familiarity with local building codes and regulations. A builder with extensive experience and a solid reputation will likely have the knowledge and expertise to handle your project efficiently.

Subcontractor Relationships: Builders often work with subcontractors for various aspects of construction. Inquire about the subcontractors the builder employs and if the builder has longstanding relationships with them. Quality subcontractors are crucial for delivering a well-built home.

Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are vital throughout the custom home building process. During your initial meetings, assess how well the builder listens to your ideas and addresses your concerns. A builder who communicates clearly, provides regular updates, and involves you in decision-making will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable building experience.

Transparency and Contracts: Ensure the builder operates with transparency and provides detailed contracts. Review the contract thoroughly and clarify any doubts before signing. Pay attention to essential details such as timelines, payment schedules, warranties, and any provisions for changes or unforeseen circumstances. A reputable builder will be transparent about costs and timelines and address your concerns adequately.

Selecting the right builder for your custom home is a decision that requires careful consideration. By defining your needs, researching builders, reviewing portfolios, checking credentials, seeking references, and emphasizing communication and transparency, you can make an informed choice. At Hostetler Family Homes, we believe that building a custom home is a collaborative process, and choosing a reputable and trustworthy builder is essential to contribute to a successful outcome and a home that truly reflects your vision. Contact Us today to learn more.

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